Sarah A. "Dean" Ryan

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sarah A. Ryan (Sally), beloved mother, grandmother, and cherished friend, who left this world peacefully on September 28, 2025, at the age of 86. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Sarah was the daughter of the late John Richard and Gertrude McCullough Barron. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband, Leonard Ryan, in 2017. A proud graduate of West Catholic Girls High School in 1957, Sally pursued her passion for caring for others by earning her degree in nursing at Philadelphia General Hospital. With a dedicated career spanning over 40 years at Crozer Hospital, she specialized in infectious disease control and the Coronary Care Unit (CCU), retiring in 2004. Her commitment to the healthcare profession touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on her community. An avid horseback rider and gardener, Sally cherished the simple joys in life, including summer vacations at Virginia Beach. As a devout Catholic, her faith was a guiding light in her life. She was an active member of St. Madeline's Catholic Church in Ridley Park and more recently a valued member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Wilmington. In addition to her nursing career, Sally was a successful author, having published several articles in medical journals that contributed to her field. Sally is survived by her loving children, Francis Ryan (Johnna) and Hillary Fortuna (Bill), sisters, Barbara Barron Lynch and Linda Dean. She will be deeply missed by her cherished grandchildren, Ryan, Alexandra, Kristina, Shannon, Sarah, Jessica, and Jacob, as well as her precious great-granddaughter, Isabella. Family and friends are invited to honor Sally's memory during a visitation on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 11:15 AM at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, located at 4701 Weldin Road, Wilmington, DE 19803. A Funeral Mass will be held immediately following the visitation, commencing at 11:30 AM. Sally will be laid to rest in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Springfield. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Sally's name to the Dementia Society of America at www.dementiasociety.org Online condolences may be shared at www.nolanfidale.com Sarah A. Ryan's light will forever shine in the hearts of those who loved her. She will be deeply missed and always remembered.